July 2 Is Visitation of Virgin Mary Day The Visitation of Mary commemorates Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth while pregnant, as related in Luke 1:39-57. The Woman and the Dragon: Apparitions of Mary, by David Michael Lindsey, closely examines the appearances of Mary throughout history. Lindsey also explores some of the scientific data behind the apparitions.  Also available is The Joy of Y’at Catholicism, by Earl J. Higgins, a fun and funny look at Catholicism in New Orleans history. July 4 Is America’s Birthday Honor America’s birthday with a glimpse into her past. Pearl Harbor Countdown: Admiral James O. Richardson examines the man who was one of the few voices of opposition to the posting of ships in Pearl Harbor in 1940, and who predicted the hostile Japanese attack. Author Skipper Steely explores the life and influence of Adm. James Richardson, the man who foresaw the “day that will live in infamy” and tried to prevent it. The Revolutionary War in the Southern Back Country, by James K. Swisher, closely examines the scope of the war that won America her independence. He covers everything from fighting styles to territory lost and gained in a detailed work of American history, with a focus on the often-overlooked British efforts in the South. Children can learn the history and ideals behind America’s flag in Red, White, and Blue, by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton. Using fun flag facts and unique textile artwork, Knowlton lays out the legend of this country’s most recognizable symbol. July 5 Is Workaholic Day Maybe take a step back from work and daily stress today. How to Hang Loose in an Uptight World, by Elizabeth Baker, cannot only help you recognize stress, but also help alleviate it with life solutions and practical relaxation techniques. July 8 Is Be a Kid Day Summer is great for kicking back with a book. Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, there’s an imaginative story for everyone. Enjoy children’s Cajun culture with another bayou adventure in Clovis Crawfish and Bertile’s Bon Voyage, by Clovis’s longtime creator Mary Alice Fontenot. The bayou friends say goodbye to their pal with a fun summer bash, now in full color! How do you rescue a 1,200-pound cow from a silo? Una Belle Townsend pairs history and wit in this true tale about Grady the cow and her unique predicament. Grady’s in the Silo is fun for all ages and teaches a valuable lesson about patience. Kids can learn the value and nature of friendship with Greg Watkins’s book A Big Beaked, Big Bellied Bird Named Bill. While enjoying Watkins’s vibrant illustrations, children can read about how Bill deals with bullies and learns about diversity. July 19 Is Woman’s Day Read about famous women from history. Natalie Scott was anything but a delicate Southern flower. Writer, nurse, and philanthropist, she lived in New Orleans at the turn of the twentieth century. John W. Scott, intrigued by stories about his aunt, compiled her accomplishments and exploits into Natalie Scott: A Magnificent Life, a biography of a literary leader and heroine of WWI. Author Lois V. Harris helps acquaint young readers with a classic artist in her children’s biography Mary Cassatt: Impressionist Painter. An independent spirit and the only female American member of the French Impressionists, Cassatt is an inspiration for young girls and aspiring artists. As well as the detailed story of her life, the book includes nineteen of Cassatt’s paintings. July 24 Is Amelia Earhart Day Honor the country’s most famous female pilot by reading more aviation history Charlene’s brothers criticize her dreams of entering the field of aeronautics. She rallies many tales of aviation women and their adventures and proves that girls can be whatever they want to be! Girls Fly! is an educational and inspirational tale written by Lynn M. Homan and Thomas Reilly. Readers can learn about the difficulty and determination of women in aviation in Women Who Fly, also by Lynn M. Homan and Thomas Reilly. Complete with illustrations, this book covers the history of Amelia Earhart as well as her contemporaries. The Berlin Airlift: The Salvation of a City, by Jon Sutherland and Diane Canwell, is an in-depth look at the aide mission devoted to supplying Soviet-occupied Berlin with food and fuel in 1948 and 1949. Often referred to as “Operation Vittles,” this mission was a final option for Allied leaders in a world already fatigued by war. July 24 Is Pioneer Day Learn about America’s early history. The art of William Aiken Walker helps illuminate one of the most illustrious periods in American history: the pioneer era. August P. Trovaioli and Roulhac B. Toledano’s book William Aiken Walker: Southern Genre Painter covers the art and the man that helped preserve the visual history of the South in the nineteenth century. Bones Hooks was a pioneer of equality as well as of the Wild West. Author Bruce G. Todd tells his story of breaking horses and breaking through racial boundaries in Bones Hooks: Pioneer Negro Cowboy.